Page 39 of Sombra
Eight
Kim - Decadence
Tavo’s muscles become rigid. He takes a step back, his eyes shut, jaw clenched, and biceps jumping under his skin.
“You’reprometido?” He frowns and scrubs his face with his hands. Hands that I was just holding. “But … but—”
I holdup my finger. “I figured the ring gave it away.”
“InEspaña, we wear wedding and engagement rings on the right hand. I thought it was an heirloom.” He turns away and ruffs up his hair. “I apologize, Kim. I shall leave you alone—”
“Don’t!” I blurt out, wanting to reach out and touch him. Not wanting to hurt him. “Don’t you dare. I was asked, but I haven’t said yes.”
He getsa gleam in his eye.
I keep talking. “I just agreed to wear the ring. I’m not sure if I’m actually going to get married to him. I … I don’t know anyone here. I like you.” I cringe and try again. “I need someone here.”
Flapping his hand, he dismisses me. “You need a tour guide.”
“I need a friend.”
He turns toward me with narrowed eyes. His face becomes blank, and he letsout a breath. Giving me a weak smile, he says, “I would like to be your friend. I apologize.”
“You don’t need to be sorry.” My heart beats in my ears. Even though I can’t kiss him, I can’t be separate from him either. “Please.”
I’m not sure what I’m asking.
Please don’t go. Please don’t apologize. Please be my friend. Please understand. Please help me figure this out.
Thankfully he stays. “Who is your intended?”
“His name is Shane Nichols. I’ve known him forever.”
He swallows hard. “And your family likes him?”
“My family loves him.”
“Do you love him?”
I can’t answer that. And it’s embarrassing how long I take to say anything. But before I can respond, Tavo starts nodding his head almost violently. “I understand. Why didShane let you go to Spain?”
I lift an eyebrow. “What do you mean, ‘let me go’?”
Picking up a stick, he throws it in the orchard and faces me, his eyes blazing. When he speaks, his voice cracks. “I don’t understand why you’re here. If you were mine, I’d never let you leave me this long. I’d want to be with you every moment I could.”
My heart flutters, and I flush. The thoughtof never leaving Tavo derails my need to stick up for myself and all modern women. I force myself to put my hand on my hip. “I’m not property, Gustavo.”
His large pupils lock on mine, and he speaks softly. “You aren’t. But I wouldn’t want to let you out of my sight.” He takes a deep breath. “I still don’t want to,” he mutters.
“Oh.”
Oh.
I want to move closer to him,to touch him. But I can’t.
The rows and rows of olive trees stand like noble guards. I pick at a leaf, then speak quietly. “I guess what I want, what I really want, is to figure out who I am without him.”
Tavo’s eyebrows furrow then release. “Isn’t being in a relationship wanting to spend time with the person?”
